Graph search optimization system based on derived constraint techniques

A computing system for deriving constraints for a path pattern prior to searching a property graph for a path that matches the path pattern, the path pattern having elements with initial constraints, the computing system comprising:

• one or more computer-readable storage mediums storing:
• rules specifying conditions and derived constraints that can be derived when the conditions are satisfied;
• and
• computer-executable instructions for controlling the computing system to:
• access initial constraints for a target pattern element of the path pattern, the initial constraints including a next initial constraint based on a value of a property of a next pattern element adjacent to the target pattern element in the path pattern;
• and
• apply the rules to the initial constraints to derive one or more derived constraints, including a derived constraint that is derived from a next base constraint and that is not based on a value of a property of the next pattern element;
• wherein the derived constraint represents an optimization for the path pattern to be used when searching the property graph for a path that matches the path pattern and
• one or more processors for executing the computer-executable instructions stored in the one or more computer-readable storage mediums.

A computing system for deriving constraints for a path pattern prior to searching a property graph for a path that matches the path pattern, the computing system comprising:

• one or more computer-readable storage mediums storing computer-executable instructions for controlling the computing system to:
• access initial constraints for a target pattern element of the path pattern, the initial constraints including a next initial constraint being based on a value of a property of a next pattern element adjacent to the target pattern element in the path pattern;
• and
• generate a derived constraint from the next initial constraints, the derived constraint not being based on value of a property of the next element;
• wherein the derived constraint represents an optimization for the path pattern to be used when searching the property graph for a path that matches the path pattern and
• one or more processors for executing the computer-executable instructions stored in the one or more computer-readable storage mediums.